UAlbany president stepping down after two years

University at Albany President George Philip announced today that he will step down as university president once a replacement for him is found.

Philip has been president since 2009 and served as interim president from 2007-2009 and chairman of the University Council from 1996-2007. A long time member of the university community, Philip graduated from UAlbany in 1969 with a B.A. in history and got his masters at UAlbany in 1973.

Photo credit ASP Archives

“It is now time for me to resume my retirement plans,” Philip wrote in an email. ” Therefore, I have informed Chancellor Zimpher I will serve as president until a search is completed and the State University of New York Board of Trustees appoints a new president. I look forward to spending more time with my family and continuing my friendships with the many University colleagues I have come to know and admire over the years.”

In the email, Philip touts his role in helping the NYSUNY 2020 bill, a bill which allows for SUNY schools to implement rational tuition plans, get passed as well as his oversight of a large increase in the university’s overall endowment. During his time as president the university’s world renowned RNA institute and College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering saw large increases in funds as well as scientific works.

But Philip’s reign has not been without its blemishes. Last year his administration was forced to cut several languages and theater as majors due to cutbacks in funding from the state, leading to vast protests and anger from the student body and their families. Even more notably was last spring’s Kegs and Eggs debacle that ended in thousands of dollars in damage to the city and the cancellation of UAlbany’s spring time festival Fountain Day.

“It has been a privilege to work with a remarkable group of faculty, students and staff,” he said in the email. ” Together we have accomplished a number of historic milestones.”